Carlos J. A. P. Martins
CAUP

Abstract
The LHC, which sees (saw) first beam on September 10, is the largest scientific  experiment ever built. I will describe its main science goals, focusing on the  impact that these may have on astrophysics and cosmology - including the  possible detections of supersymmetry, dark matter and the Higgs field. I will  also show that the claims of 'doomsday scenarios' (where the LHC production of  vacuum bubbles, magnetic monopoles, mini black holes or strangelets would  destroy the Earth) are nonsense, even allowing for the possibility of new  physics. Time permitting I will also comment on the recent controversy  surrounding the possible indirect detection of dark matter.

2008 September 17, 13:30

IA/U.Porto
Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (Auditorium)
Rua das Estrelas, 4150-762 Porto